Apple Prepares for Sideloading as New Tech Regulations Take Effect in Europe
As new European tech regulations are set to take effect in the coming weeks, Apple is gearing up for a future where it will be required to allow users to download apps from sources outside of its App Store. This move, known as sideloading, could potentially disrupt Apple’s control over its app ecosystem and revenue streams. While Apple has not yet revealed the specifics of how sideloading will work, it appears that the company may not allow developers to bypass its fees and app review process.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to collect fees from developers who offer downloads outside of the App Store and will require some form of review for these downloads. This suggests that Apple intends to maintain its control over the quality and security of apps available to users, even if they are obtained through sideloading. It is worth noting that sideloading would only be available to iOS users in the European Union, as a means to comply with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act.
This strategy aligns with another recent change Apple made to its US App Store policies. In response to a legal battle with Fortnite developer Epic Games, Apple revised its rules to allow US developers to enable in-app purchases that bypass the App Store’s billing system. However, developers are still required to pay a significant commission on these purchases, ranging from 12% for smaller developers to 27% for others. Apple also gained the right to audit developers’ records to ensure compliance with these rules. This move has drawn criticism from Epic, Spotify, and other developers who have long been vocal about the App Store’s restrictive rules and fees.
If Apple were to charge developers for sideloading, it could face similar backlash from app makers. The Digital Markets Act is scheduled to go into effect on March 7, and although Apple has not yet disclosed its plan to comply with the regulation, companies that have clashed with Apple in the past are already making preparations. Spotify, a staunch opponent of the App Store’s commission structure, recently provided a preview of how its European app will look once users can pay for subscriptions and audiobooks within the app.
In addition to Spotify, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is also taking steps to challenge Apple’s dominance. The Wall Street Journal reports that Meta is working on a project internally called “Project Neon,” which aims to distribute developers’ apps through Facebook ads. This initiative could potentially position Meta as a direct competitor to the App Store, particularly in Europe.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Apple is facing increasing pressure to adapt its policies and practices. The upcoming implementation of the Digital Markets Act in Europe is just one example of how regulatory changes are forcing Apple to reconsider its approach. With sideloading on the horizon, developers and users alike will be closely watching how Apple navigates these new regulations and whether it will lead to a more open and competitive app ecosystem.
